In a previous article, we discussed some of the simple steps you can take to conserve water around the home. This will not only lower your water bill, but it will also benefit the environment. While installing a greywater system might be the most effective way to reduce water consumption, there are also smaller, easier-to-install gadgets worth considering.

1 – Eco-performance shower heads

Most people know it’s significantly less wasteful to take a shower instead of a bath. However, it’s not common knowledge that the type of shower head you have installed can also dramatically alter the level of water consumption. While technologies differ, one leading product, the EcoCamel, works by injecting a jet of air into the water stream. The result is that you feel as if you are taking a powerful shower but far less water is used. Based on the average family of four, the manufacturers claim that EcoCamel will save 10,000 litres of water every year. Not bad at all!

2 – Cistern displacement devices

These devices usually take the form of a bag which should be filled with water and dropped in the cistern of the toilet. The result of this is that the cistern never completely empties when flushing the toilet and less water comes back into fill it up. Over time, the amount of water saved can really start to accumulate. Toilet Tank Bank, manufactured by AM Conservation Group, is recommended as a leading product – although it is not as readily available in Europe as it is in America.

3 – Shower timers

It’s easy to lose track of time in the shower, and after singing your favourite pop song on repeat, a 5 minute shower can easily turn into 20 minutes. In order to keep your water bills down, you may wish to consider installing a shower timer. The more sophisticated models are fully programmable and can modify the intensity of water flow according to whichever values you decide to input. For instance, after 5 minutes, you may wish to receive an audible warning and then have the water flow cut to moderate intensity. Pretty advanced stuff!

4 – Faucet aerators

These devices can be installed in the faucets of both your shower and sink in order to lower the flow rate of water. Such devices can be found in most hardware stores and are the most inexpensive way to start reducing water consumption today. Simply unscrew the old faucet head and replace with the new aerator and you will start saving water immediately.

5 – Water diverter

While complete grey water systems usually cost several thousand pounds, you can start reusing water for a much more affordable price with a standard water diverter. Simply fit the device to your shower or bath. When it empties, the water will go straight to a water butt. Alternatively, the device can be connected directly to a hosepipe so you can water the plants with the same water that you’ve just bathed in – simple but ingenious!